John Williams withdraws, Royal Albert Hall/LSO, October 26

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Royal Albert Hall statement

Unfortunately, owing to a last-minute illness, John Williams greatly regrets that he is no longer able to conduct this concert with the London Symphony Orchestra.

John travelled to London but was taken ill. It is his wish that the performance should go ahead, and his colleague and dear friend Maestro Dirk Brossé has kindly agreed to conduct the LSO for this very special event.

Mr. Williams’ management said:
"John is so sorry that an illness prevents him from conducting Friday's concert, and he’s grateful to his friend Maestro Dirk Brossé for taking the podium in his place. He so wishes he could be with everyone, and the knowledge that 5,000 of his friends will be joining together to celebrate his music is a great comfort to him as he recovers. He wishes everyone a very joyous evening of music.”

Brossé is Music Director of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, and John Williams chose him as Principal Conductor of the Star Wars in Concert World Tour.

The Royal Albert Hall, London Symphony Orchestra and Dirk Brossé wish Maestro Williams well for a speedy recovery.